Freistadt - Austrian town, located in the federal state of Upper Austria, in the district of Freistadt. The city of Linz is located about 38 km southwest of Freistadt and the Czech town of Budejovice about 60 km to the north. From Freistadt to Vienna can be reached in 2 hours (180 km). Freistadt is surrounded by forests.

Free City was founded in 1225 by Leopold VI. The town separated from the possession of the Habsburgs Czech lands. He stood at the intersection of trade routes of transportation of salt and iron. The heyday of the city came in the 14-16 century. However, the Thirty Years War changed the situation, the city lost all its privileges. In 1777 the brewery was built. Since 1850, the city became the capital of the free area. In 1872 he appeared in Freistadt railroad.

During the First World War, the city was established POW camp of Russian soldiers, in which there were 20,000 prisoners. After the Second World War was created in Freistadt resistance group, but in October 1944, all the participants were sentenced to death. May 7, 1945 American tanks reached the town, and from July 1, the city took the Red Army. Economic recovery began only 10 years later, after the withdrawal of Soviet troops from the city. Investments were made in housing and road construction, construction of water supply and sewerage, construction of sewage treatment plants.

Freistadt is considered a masterpiece of architecture: a large rectangular area is the heart of the city. The main attractions include the medieval old town with city walls and towers, which are almost completely preserved. Late Gothic city gate Linzer Tor is the symbol of the city of Freistadt.

Free City has 162 monument, the majority of which are located in the Old City. In the era of the Baroque facades of many buildings have been renovated. The main square is the town hall with a carved fountain. Here, the square is the Baroque church of St. Catherine altar Karl Carlone. Nearby in building military barracks, built on the site of an ancient castle, placed his collection of museum.